Renewed calls for discounted Bass Strait travel backed by the Premier and campaigner

A trip on the Spirit of Tasmania should cost the same as travelling across state lines on any highway in Australia, says a long-time campaigner for cheaper Bass Strait ferry fares.

TASMANIA’S depleted economy could “virtually rejuvenate overnight” if a proposed tourism plan is implemented, a long-time campaigner for equitable Bass Strait transport says.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin is suggesting free passenger travel on the Spirit of Tasmania to reprieve Tasmania of its post-pandemic and tourism woes.

Mr Martin last week urged the Federal Government to consider extending the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme (BSPVES) to make car trips on the ferry free.

TICT chief executive Luke Martin. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

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The call has been supported by Premier Peter Gutwein, who said the state’s tourism industry was crucial to rebuilding a stronger Tasmania.

“That is why we have submitted the TICT’s concept as one of a suite of initiatives to the Federal Government for consideration within the context of its $1 billion tourism stimulus package available to all states and territories,” he said.

“When it is safe, our drive market will be critically important to Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality as they spend on average three times longer in the state.”

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Retired lawyer and the chairman of the former National Sea Highway Committee Peter Brohier said a drop in ferry fares should be regarded as a way forward for Tasmania.

“It’s critically important that the passenger fare component of the BSPVES operates effectively to drop the total fare for anybody crossing Bass Strait in any direction to be the same price as travelling on road,” he said.

“This is not just about free fares, it’s about consistently applying that sort of fare for a highway equivalent across Bass Strait, so if that were to occur, Tasmania would have equal links to all other states on surface travel.”

Peter Brohier said reduced fares would create a “wider definition of tourism” for Tasmania.

Mr Brohier, who in 1997 was awarded the Tasmania Kym Smoker Memorial Award for commitment to Tasmania and achieving a National Sea Highway, said reduced fares would create a “wider definition of tourism” for Tasmania.

“That will allow the whole economy to rejuvenate overnight, virtually,” he said.

“Many factors are at play here, including people staying more days on island; Tasmania getting a football team and national access to all states. This could create a big national connection and it should have occurred years ago.”

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Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz said any increased taxpayer subsidisation of the BSPVES would need to be carefully analysed.

“Careful consideration needs to be given to the potential impact on all sectors, and the unfair advantage given to a government business enterprise with extra taxpayer subsidies over private businesses that have personally invested and are doing it extremely tough without such taxpayer backing,” he said.

“Analysis needs to advise the actual extra tourists who would come to Tasmania because of the ‘free’ trips. It stands to reason that if people come with their own car they may stay longer but they usually spend less.

“The other consideration is the length of time the extra taxpayer funding would apply.

Could that money be invested more effectively than in a government business enterprise?

“These proposals need mature reflection and I look forward to being fully briefed on all these aspects.”